The renovation of the Upper East Side Townhouse – designed by MKCA, Michael K. Chen Architecture – pushes the boundaries of architectural terra cotta in this innovative restoration. The Neo-Grec Brownstone residence was originally built in 1879 as a single family home, boasting 9,600 square feet. The spacious home was eventually converted into a 17-unit apartment building, and through the efforts of Michael Chen, the building has been transformed into a single residency with a 21st century twist.

Boston Valley Terra Cotta worked with Michael K. Chen Architecture to restore the outer facade of the building in addition to the two distinct terra cotta walls in the back of the residence. The facades use Boston Valley’s TerraClad Rain Screen system to achieve their means; one wall comprised of white, rectangular units creates a dynamic repetition that complements the innovative vertical garden in a charcoal glaze, known as the “Nano-biome Building Skin”. This wall is defined by its various planters, ranging in sizes, depending on the indigenous plant occupying its space.